Incubation for Mechatronics Design through Experience of Sliding Surfaces

(Demonstration of Sliding and Lubrication Examinations by TRIBOCUBE)

Abstract

Real sliding surfaces are never visible. Machines are user interfaces, though the sliding surfaces of the parts constituting the machines are invisible. These days the machines are designed in virtual tools, but the market needs feeling or comfort in the real physical world. There have been numerous trials and studies of in-situ sliding surfaces. However, most of them are merely data sheets and aren’t dealing with real senses. Therefore, it is important to use the five senses. The purpose of this demonstration is to get experience of sliding phenomena for implementing images in innovation through simple examinations. TRIBOCUBE® is an instrument for education of tribology (especially for lubrication). It has been advanced to touch sliding parts directly, safely and easily. “Water lubrication” can be felt through sliding tips. Its experience will incubate a great number of new mechatronics design and ideas, I believe. There are not only TRIBOCUBE® but also so many machines and tools around the world. Ideas have to be activated from incubation through touching these machines and sliding parts directly.